News Gathering

Note: The following work shows ways in which I conducted background research by using a multitude of sources, culminated a list of elaborate interview questions to result in accurate facts and quotes, and utilized a variety of outlets to research and verify facts.

"A journalist's survival bag"

(Items used during every interview)

About: You can never be too prepared. Whether your recording device loses battery, you lost your camera memory card or you are denied access into a football game for coverage, it is important to be prepared for all that may happen. These are the materials I bring to every interview in order to gather news. A notepad, pencil, highlighter, press pass, camera and a recording device are some of the basics.

"The recording device"

(Pre-publication process for the El Vaquero newspaper)

About: While I take advantage of recording devices because they ensure accurate and exact quotes, I do not rely on them solely because it is too risky to depend on technology and it is tedious to go back and transcribe what was recorded. The interview below was recorded with a recording device for a feature story I covered about a teacher at Irvine High School. Occasionally the audio was muffled or the background noise was too loud so it is good that along side recording, I also took notes.

"The notepad"

(Pre-publication process for the El Vaquero newspaper)

About: The original form of taking notes was done through the utilization of a notepad and pencil. I make sure to also have a colored pen or highlighter at hand as well in order to take note of important facts or good quotes. At times when I am writing so quickly, my handwriting gets messy so I use short-hand notation to write quickly.

"The story"

(Pre-publication process for the September 29, 2015 El Vaquero issue)

About: This was a story I wrote in response to a new recreational class being offered at Irvine High School. This was the final draft after having used a notepad and pencil during the interview. I did not record the interview which made it difficult to go back and verify the accuracy of the given quotes. However, with any uncertainties, I made sure to go back and factcheck.

Senior David Lee was born with a passion for animals. After taking classes at the Coastline Regional Occupational Program Center in Costa Mesa over the summer, Lee interned at the Arbor Animal Hospital in Irvine. He was then hired Aug. 27 to work full-time as a kennel assistant. “The hospital liked my work and I enjoyed working there because it was a fun and exciting environment to be in,” Lee said. “I was really happy that I got the job because it would help me with my future career path.”Lee grew up with dogs as pets. He hopes to reach his goal of becoming a veterinarian one day.“Working with animals is so special because it is so rewarding in many ways,” Lee said. “Although the animals cannot physically say "thank you," they clearly show their appreciation through other ways such as sloppy kisses and playful barks.”When one of his own dogs, Smeagol, died in January, Lee’s interest toward animals grew. This personal experience inspired him to help other animals and their owners who may be going through the same thing.“Although I was sad when my dog passed, it encouraged me to help other animals in need,” Lee said. “I was motivated to learn more about the causes and preventions of animal deaths.”Lee’s responsibilities as a kennel assistant include cleaning kennels, doing laundry, putting together surgery packs, assisting with nail trimmings and restraining animals.“The most challenging part of the job is keeping the animals from attacking and fighting back,” Lee said. “Often times, the animals do not realize we are here to help them and see us as a threat.”Arbor Animal Hospital office manager Becky Kincaid helped guide Lee to his current role.“I think [David] has been doing a fantastic job at the hospital – he is smart and a hard worker,” Kincaid said. “I'm excited that he has continued to work with us after the ROP program.”Lee must juggle school, work and college applications. His shift at the hospital is from 3-7 p.m. He then comes home and begins his schoolwork and other responsibilities.“It is important to use your time effectively,” Lee said. “I have learned to manage my time wisely and be efficient.”Students who are interested in the Animal Health Care Internship ROP class can speak with ROP coordinator, Patty Voisinet in SC 8 to enroll. Classes are offered year round and typically last for one and a half months. “These classes offer real-life skills and provide hands-on learning experiences for students,” Voisinet said. “Students leave the class well-prepared and ready to pursue their career.”

"The outside source"

(Pre-publication process for the El Vaquero newspaper)

About: In order to cover all sides of a story, I make sure to interview both primary and secondary sources. In this case, the source was not located in my vicinity so I reached out to her via email. By gathering quotes from a variety of sources, I am better able to gather news in a fair and equal manner.